Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)

That is what I said. We are simply returning to the situation as it was pre-2016. I would add that the unions are already specifically regulated in the requirement to have a separate fund for spending on political purposes that is subject to many rules. There is no such requirement on many other membership organisations. I turn to the amendment tabled by my noble friend Lord Davies of Brixton relating to Clause 62 on equality representatives. Trade unions have long fought for equality. We recognise that equality reps have a key role to play in raising awareness and promoting equal rights for all members, as well as developing collective policies and practices that will enable organisations to realise all the benefits of being an equal opportunities employer. New Section 168B(2)(a) therefore provides for the broad purpose for equality representatives to take paid time off for carrying out duties “for the purpose of promoting the value of equality in the workplace”. In addition, new Section 168B(2)(c) makes provision for “providing information, advice or support to qualifying members of the trade union in relation to matters relating to equality in the workplace”, and new Section 168(2)(d) makes provision for “consulting with the employer on matters relating to equality in the workplace”. Finally, equality representatives may also be eligible for time off under Section 168 of the 1992 Act, which includes time off for “negotiations with the employer related to or connected with matters falling within section 178 … in … which the trade union is recognised by the employer”. We believe that these measures are broad enough to include a range of activities, which encompass collective bargaining, negotiating with employers and representing members. I ask the noble Lord, Lord Burns, to withdraw Amendment 147.